ADC to Okpebholo: Shut Up, You’re Ignorant
…Says ban on Peter Obi is dangerous and undemocratic
Abuja – July 20, 2025 — The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has issued a blistering response to Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, following his controversial remarks banning Labour Party’s 2023 Presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, from visiting Edo State without prior clearance.
Governor Okpebholo, while addressing party faithful in Benin City, claimed he could not guarantee Obi’s security if he entered the state without his approval — a move that has sparked outrage across political circles.
In a strongly worded statement released in Abuja, the ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, described the governor’s comments as “ignorant, dangerous, and offensive to all right-thinking Nigerians.”
“The ADC condemns in the strongest terms the so-called restriction order issued by Governor Okpebholo. This is not only unconstitutional but an affront to our collective democratic values,” Abdullahi said.
According to him, “This is not the first time APC governors have made such reckless and authoritarian pronouncements. It is becoming a disturbing trend — first it was Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia, and now Okpebholo. These governors are acting like monarchs over fiefdoms, forgetting they are elected to serve, not to rule with threats.”
“Nigeria is a free country. No Nigerian needs a visa or a governor’s approval to travel within their country. The statements attributed to Governor Okpebholo reek of insecurity, intolerance, and a desperate attempt to silence opposition voices. It is unacceptable,” he added.
Abdullahi said ADC is placing the international community and all democracy-loving Nigerians on alert over the growing pattern of intimidation and suppression by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“This creeping authoritarianism must be nipped in the bud. Our democracy cannot thrive under a climate of fear and suppression. Every citizen, whether a political leader or private individual, must enjoy the right to freely associate and move around the country without fear of political persecution.”
He demanded that Governor Okpebholo immediately retract the “ill-informed” statement and issue a public apology to Peter Obi and the Nigerian people.
“We will not be silenced. Nigeria does not belong to the APC or any individual. It belongs to all of us. We will go wherever we need to, and meet with whoever we choose to — peacefully, legally, and confidently.”
The ADC’s reaction follows earlier backlash when Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, issued a similar warning to Obi following his visit to Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in Makurdi, where he donated relief materials.
“Rather than applaud such humane efforts, APC governors are choosing threats and hostility. It is disgraceful and must end,” Abdullahi concluded.
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